Today, as I watched my dog Asti breathing heavily, I couldn’t help but remember how worried I was in those first days when my little Corgi puppy first came home.
In this article, I’ll share my experience of asking endless questions to the breeder and explain what’s considered a normal breathing rate for puppies.
Is It Normal for Puppies to Breathe Fast?
Hi! I’m Yevheniia, and I live with Asti, my sassy and opinionated Corgi. Two years of learning and living together have inspired me to start this channel. Welcome! 😊
Take a look at this photo of Asti—it really shows how heavily she was breathing 😂.
Why Do Puppies Breathe Quickly While Sleeping?
The first day with a new puppy at home is always memorable: games, snacks, biting everything in sight, and then, finally, sleep.
But when I saw my little ball of happiness sleeping soundly, I noticed her breathing was rapid and even heavy. Her tiny chest rose and fell so quickly that I started panicking. “Why do puppies breathe fast when sleeping? Is it normal for puppies to breathe so fast?”
You can watch a video of her breathing here.
As a first-time dog owner, especially buying a puppy from an ad and not a famous kennel, doubts kept creeping in. I kept wondering: “Is my puppy okay? Why is my puppy breathing so rapidly while sleeping?”
Rapid Breathing in Puppies: Advice from the Breeder
I grabbed my phone and immediately messaged the breeder. Her response reassured me: rapid breathing is normal for puppies, especially when they’re asleep.
Puppies often breathe quickly because:
- They dream intensely: During REM sleep, puppies’ brains are very active, leading to rapid breathing and even twitching.
- They grow fast: Their higher metabolic rate requires more oxygen, so they naturally breathe faster.
- Temperature regulation: Puppies can’t sweat like humans, so they regulate their body heat through breathing.
Why Is My Puppy Breathing Rapidly?
After chatting with the breeder, I felt a bit better. But I couldn’t stop myself from closely watching Asti’s chest movements. If you’re also worried about your puppy’s breathing, remember this:
- It’s normal for puppies to breathe quickly while resting or sleeping.
- If your puppy has just finished playing or walking, they’ll naturally breathe faster to recover.
However, there are moments when you should consult a vet:
- If your puppy’s breathing looks labored or wheezy.
- If their gums are pale or bluish.
- If rapid breathing continues for a long time without an obvious cause like exercise or heat.
Why Do Puppies Breathe Fast in Heat?
Dogs, including Corgi puppies, don’t sweat like humans. Instead, they cool down through panting and rapid breathing. In warm weather or after intense play, it’s completely normal for a puppy to breathe faster.
My Experience with Asti’s Rapid Breathing
A few days after bringing Asti home, I got a photo from the vet with helpful health tips for puppies. It included information on normal breathing rates and other parameters.
Here’s what I learned:
- Puppies typically take 30–40 breaths per minute when resting.
- Rapid breathing during sleep or after play is usually normal.
- Panting in hot weather is a natural way for dogs to stay cool.
If your Corgi puppy is breathing fast while sleeping or resting, don’t panic—this is usually normal. But if you notice other concerning signs, don’t hesitate to contact your vet.